How to Import Animation Created in Inventor into 3ds Max?

To import animation created in Autodesk Inventor into 3ds Max, you need to export the animated assembly file from Inventor and then import it into 3ds Max using a specific option.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

Steps to Import Inventor Animation into 3ds Max

The workflow involves preparing your animation in Inventor and then configuring the import settings in 3ds Max.

1. Create or Prepare Animation in Inventor:

   • First, ensure your animation sequences are fully produced and saved within your Inventor project.
   • This typically involves using Inventor's animation tools to define motion, constraints, or driven parameters within your assembly (.iam) file.

2. Import the Inventor Assembly File (.iam) into 3ds Max:

   • Open 3ds Max.
   • Go to the File menu and select Import.
   • Browse to the location of your Inventor Assembly file (.iam) and select it.
   • Click Open. This will bring up the Inventor Import Options dialog.

3. Activate the 'Import Driving Animation' Option:

   • In the Inventor Import Options window that appears, you will see various settings for how the Inventor data is brought into 3ds Max.
   • Locate and activate (check) the option labeled Import Driving Animation.
   • This crucial step tells 3ds Max to look for and import any animation sequences or driven constraints defined within the Inventor assembly file.
   • Configure any other desired import settings (like geometry tessellation, units, etc.) as needed.
   • Click OK to begin the import process.

Once the import is complete, the geometry from your Inventor assembly will appear in 3ds Max, and the animation you created in Inventor, driven by constraints or parameters, should now be available on the timeline in 3ds Max. You can then play the animation and continue working on it within 3ds Max.

This method is specifically designed to transfer design-driven animations from Inventor, leveraging the parametric nature of the Inventor data.